I’ve finally arrived!
There truly is nothing like the feeling you get when you painstakingly drag your wearied body through the door of your hotel room after a grueling 20 hour journey. By some spark of insanity it makes it all seem worthwhile just for that moment in which you find yourself sucked into a seemingly cavernous bed, all thoughts lost amongst the pillows after hours spent in a cramped economy class seat trying to ignore the irritatingly loud sounds of the rather large and inconsiderate man next to you wolfing down an apparently bottomless bag of Doritos. I can finally hear myself think…what a relief. And not a moment too soon as I have so many thoughts, wishes, ideas and plans to digest and put to fruition.
After sleeping a short while I thought it best not to upset my sleeping patterns any further, and reluctantly willed myself out of bed and into the hotel lobby for a quick triple espresso before scoping out the sights of Paris. Stumbling across this computer in the reception area I thought id stop by for a short update on my travels. I can barely focus my attention on the screen, the lobby perpetually fills with waves of exotic guests and local Parisians; each more entertaining and enthralling than the last. Right now a dim witted American businessman is attempting to communicate with the receptionist with his terribly decayed French speaking skills. The woman is no doubt amused as she notices me watching and sends a quick humoured smile in acknowledgement. No wonder the French prefer you to speak their language, there is always a laugh to be spared for the tourist who tries and fails miserably. I am determined not to fall into this category, but my grasp on the language has slipped over the years and while I have been studying my English to French dictionary profusely I shall no doubt provide an entertaining encounter for many a Paris native over the next short while…
My stay in Paris is by no means calculated and bears little direction, driven only by spontaneous blows of the wind which may push me one way or another. There is so much I wish to immerse myself in and properly experience. Seeing the main landmarks and attractions of Paris is a start; the Eiffel tower, arc de triomphe, the louvre, les Invalides, and montmarte are pertinent as is aimlessly strolling the streets and taking in the unique fashions, incredible paintings and vibrant sidewalk life. Unlike most tourists i do not simply want to see Pairs, I want to feel it, blend into the landscape and take a piece of it with me when i leave; have it leave a mark on me and i upon it. The idea of being just another tourist does not sit well with me; to have come and gone with the horde of travelers, like the tide washing footprints from the sand… I find it is not people, but places I connect with most and so I wish not to leave this rousing place simply to be forgotten by it in an instant. A place does not judge or condemn you, does not push you away or harm you but accept you with open arms. Once you have a connection with a place, even as your absence swells it will always welcome you back, something which i regrettably cannot say for most of the people I have known in my life.
Anyway, I think its time I discontinued my incessant ramblings and stepped out into the boundless city which awaits me!
Ill be sure to update you all soon.
-Alaina
